Secret Santa & my Warm Fuzzy Christmas Thoughts

We are inundated with updates and information on the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary – the sadness and loss is incomprehensible. There are no words that are adequate, no comfort that could be enough. My heart and my prayers are with those families.

My girl Julie, at redheadcandecorate, coordinated a Secret Santa gift swap within the amazing group of Bloggers in the HomeTalk BlogTalk group, across Canada and the US (here’s the list of Secret Santas – go visit these gals, they’re awesome!). Though most of us have never met in person, you’d never know it given the friendship, support & kindness in this group.

I was so excited to receive a package from Minnesota last week! Bj from Joy2Journey sent me a Secret Santa ‘Care Package’ that was so incredibly thoughtful, and considerate!

Here’s the tag (that of course, she made):

How nice is she?

Bj took the time to read my ‘About Me’ page – and created a really special package with some great reading, hot chocolate and yummy snacks, a list pad (I LOVE lists!), a tree ornament….

and even treats for my Riley. Who was very grateful. And possessive.

She even sent the cutest ‘tips’ jar that she made, the one right on her blog header!

Bj’s gift made me feel so warm & fuzzy inside – and that got me thinking….the joy that is Christmas has so much to do with feeling ‘known’, doesn’t it? It isn’t about the size or expense of the gift – it’s that someone took the time and heart effort to really think about YOU. And there’s magic in making the effort to have those you love feel that way too.

To me, that’s heart-giving…..

It’s so true.

And no matter your circumstances, everyone has the capability of making someone else feel like they matter. The gifts themselves at Christmas aren’t inherently joyful, they are just ‘things’ – the joy is in the message. They aren’t an obligation, rather a demonstration of our thoughts and heart – and our blessing is that we always have the capacity to give of our heart, THAT is abundance. With this kind of giving, be overly generous without regret.

And so I hope with all MY heart that this is true for you this year:

My Mister & I wish you & yours a Christmas of love, joy, & laughter. May it be filled with that deep down heartfelt warmth that comes from being peaceful, and feeling loved.

In other words, a Very Brady Christmas.

If you’re planning to re-decorate, re-design, or renovate, I can help you create the extraordinary. Fall in love with your home again.